Side airbags reduce injuries: study

Side airbags halve the number of injuries in car crashes, a study of more than 52,000 insurance claims has found.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre was commissioned by the Vehicle Safety Research Group to examine claims involving vehicle crashes between 2001 and 2009.

It found that side airbags fitted in cars led to a 51 per cent reduction in overall injuries, and a 61 per cent reduction in injuries to the head, neck, face and upper body.

NRMA vehicle safety expert Jack Haley said side-impact car crashes were common in Australia, accounting for 25 per cent of vehicle occupant casualties and 28 per cent of fatalities.

He said the research showed how critical side airbag systems were in protecting drivers and passengers from death and serious injury.

NSW Centre for Road Safety General Manager Marg Prendergast said drivers should choose cars with proven safety features such as side curtain airbags to protect themselves and their passengers in the event of a crash.